Wikipedia:POTD column/March 26, 2006



The Asian Arowana (Scleropages formosus), also called the Asian Bonytongue, is a species of freshwater bony fish from Southeast Asia. It's four varieties are native to the rivers of Southeast Asia and Indonesia.

The Asian Arowana has a long body; large pectoral fins; dorsal and anal fins located far back on the body; and a much larger caudal fin than that of its relative, the Silver arowana. Its scales are large and usually metallic colored, and it has paired barbels on the end of the lower jaw. It is a mouthbrooder. It is sometimes called Dragon Fish by fish enthusiasts because of its resemblance to the mythical Chinese dragon.

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